The most vivid examples of North America’s geological diversity also happen to be a climber’s paradise. Learn some of the natural history surrounding these gems as conversation-starters for when you’re between routes swapping peak-bagging tales with fellow rock hounds.

If you’re curious about the world around you, enjoy the big-picture perspective, and are interested in some of the processes that are constantly reshaping our planet, here’s a crash course on the basics of North America’s geology.

Not all geologic treasures can be easily seen from the air. Canada’s Yoho National Park, west of Banff on the west side of the Canadian Rockies, doesn’t really stand out in the midst of surrounding mountains. You’ll have to get much closer to see Yoho’s most famous features: rare fossils representing some of the earliest […]